Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Lincoln is 62% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,045/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 118%
$69,991/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 100%
$248,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 248%
$1,140/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 112%
291,932
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,230/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $14,760/year.

Median household income is $70,169/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Arlington — common questions

Is Lincoln or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Arlington?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,230/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Arlington?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $70,169/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Virginia?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lincoln details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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